Commission recommends PS-3 rezoning for ambulatory surgical center on County Road 220; commissioners note Fleming Island plan tensions

The Clay County Planning Commission on Sept. 2 recommended approval of a rezoning request (ZON25-0025) to change a two-acre parcel along County Road 220 from AR (agricultural residential) to PS-3, permitting an ambulatory surgical center and medically related offices.

Zoning staff presented the site and noted that the Fleming Island Citizens Advisory Committee recommended denial 3–2, citing concern about encroachment into residential areas and traffic. Staff recommended approval, saying the use is consistent with surrounding uses and the county land development code. Staff also said that prior concerns about retail and non-medical professional offices had been addressed; the applicant told the commission they had withdrawn a broader PUD proposal and refiled as a straight PS-3 rezoning to eliminate retail and unrelated office space.

Attorney Robert White, representing the applicant, said the project now is strictly medical and includes an ambulatory surgical center and related medical offices. “This is now strictly a medical facility with an ambulatory surgical center and professional… medical offices for doctors,” White told the commission.

Some commissioners reiterated objections that the proposal is inconsistent with Fleming Island’s community plan but said the change to PS-3 (which limits nonmedical commercial uses) reduced the commission’s concerns. Commissioners also noted planned roadway improvements along County Road 220 and said traffic impacts were not dispositive for their recommendation.

A motion to approve the staff report passed by voice vote. Commissioners asked that the applicant continue coordination with Development Review Committee (DRC) processes to achieve “generally similar” site-plan elements shown in the application.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.